Agricultural Institute of Marin Finalizes 40-Year Lease for Center for Food and Agriculture

• Agricultural Institute of Marin and County of Marin sign long-term lease for Center for Food and Agriculture (CFA)

• Project includes a permanent Marin Farmers Market and Food Innovation Hub

• Construction on the market begins first, with completion scheduled for mid-2027

• Full CFA opening expected in 2028 at Marin Civic Center in San Rafael

Agricultural Institute of Marin Secures Site for Center for Food and Agriculture

The Agricultural Institute of Marin (AIM) and the County of Marin have finalized a 40-year lease agreement to develop the Center for Food and Agriculture (CFA). Located at the Marin Civic Center in San Rafael, the CFA will feature a permanent outdoor home for the Marin Farmers Market and a Food Innovation Hub. The combined facilities are projected to open by 2028.

According to AIM, the CFA is designed as a national model for climate-smart agriculture, food education, and regional collaboration in food systems.

Farmers Market Development

The first phase of construction will focus on a new 3.7-acre site for the Marin Farmers Market, with completion anticipated by mid-2027. The market will feature expanded infrastructure for vendors, ADA-accessible restrooms, shaded seating, Wi-Fi, and EV charging stations. Plans also include waste reduction measures such as reusable foodware, composting, and the gradual elimination of single-use plastics.

AIM expects the enhanced market to accommodate up to 220 vendors, expand market days, and increase annual sales by an estimated $6 million, contributing to local economic growth.

Food Innovation Hub

Following the market’s completion, AIM will launch the Food Innovation Hub, a 6,600-square-foot facility aimed at fostering entrepreneurship, agricultural education, and food systems research. Features will include demonstration kitchens, children’s gardens, indoor-outdoor classrooms, and resource programs for food and farm businesses.

The Hub will integrate sustainable design elements such as solar energy, rainwater harvesting, pollinator gardens, and composting stations. It is slated to open in 2028.

AIM’s Broader Impacts and Community Role

The Agricultural Institute of Marin projects that the CFA will create more than 190 jobs and expand affordable food access through programs like CalFresh and Market Match. The project has been endorsed by MarinCAN as part of the county’s climate action initiatives.

Community members can support the project through AIM’s upcoming October 4 “Gather for the Planet” fundraiser, donations, and continued patronage of local farmers markets.